..::Football III::..

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Tottenham 2-1 Sheriff: Lamela & Defoe fire Spurs through to knockout stage

Jermain Defoe became Tottenham's all-time leading scorer in Europe as they beat Sheriff 2-1 to reach the last 32 of the Europa League.The striker, who equalled Martin Chivers' record in the home win over the same opponents, scored a penalty to move on to 23 goals in continental competition to earn a place in the club's record books.



Manager Andre Villas-Boas side went into the game knowing victory would see them through to the next stage as they seek their first European trophy since the Uefa Cup triumph in 1984.

Tottenham won the previous encounter between the two sides 2-0 and they had little difficulty in making it a double against the Moldovan outfit.

Erik Lamela gave the hosts the lead with a smart low finish 15 minutes into the second half, the Argentine scoring his first goal for the club, before Defoe's historic strike from the spot.Ismail Isa did pull one back for the visitors but it proved inconsequential as Tottenham comfortably held on.

Etienne Capoue made his first appearance since September for Tottenham after recovering from an ankle injury, while Brad Friedel came in for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who was rested after being knocked unconscious in the 0-0 draw with Everton last Sunday.

Tottenham looked to dominate proceedings early on, but they struggled to create chances, although Capoue should have done better when he dragged an effort wide after 10 minutes.

Sheriff looked to play on the counter-attack for the most part and they almost took a shock lead as Bulgarian striker Isa's deflected effort smacked against the right-hand post following a quick breakaway.The hosts continued to dictate play in the closing stages of the half, Defoe failing to connect with Gylfi Sigurdsson's right-wing cross just before the break.

Sheriff defended well throughout, but they had their goalkeeper Vjekoslav Tomic to thank for keeping them on level terms as he produced a stunning save to prevent Christian Eriksen's fierce drive from finding the net.However, Villas-Boas men did finally break the deadlock on the hour mark as Lamela turned smartly to fire home on the half-volley after Eriksen's pass had deflected into this path.

And victory looked to be all but confirmed seven minutes later, Defore etching his name into the history books with an emphatic penalty following Djbril Paye's clumsy challenge on Lamela.Sheriff refused to lie down, though, forward Isa reacting quickest to a rebound at the near post after Friedel had saved well from Cadu.

A nervy finish was never on the cards, however, as Tottenham cruised to a deserved win.

 

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Pandurii Targu-Jiu 1-2 Fiorentina: Last-gasp Valero strike seals Viola's Europa League progression

Late goals from Ryder Matos and Borja Valero spared the blushes of Fiorentina as they sealed qualification to the next stage of the Europa league with a 2-1 win over Pandurii Targu-Jiu on Thursday.

An astonishing goal from Brazilian Eric Pereira put the home side ahead on 32 minutes as he met a cross from the left with a looping overhead volley that dropped into the top corner.

Pandurii briefly pushed for a second, with Pereira coming close again in the first half, but although the visitors bossed the majority of proceedings they were continually thwarted by a rigid rearguard and substitute goalkeeper Pedro Mingote.

However, just as la Viola looked destined for a shock defeat against a side with only one point from their opening three matches, the game was turned on its head.

Juan Cuadrado, who had earlier spurned excellent chances for an equaliser, raced away down the right and fizzed in a cross allowing Ryder Matos to tap home from close range. Matos then thought he had stolen all three points, only for a dubious offside call to rob him of a second.

However, deep into injury time, Colombian Cuadrado once more supplied the telling ball from the right to find Valero unmakred in the area, and the Spaniard squeezed his effort over the line to put Vincenzo Montella's side into the next round, with four wins from their first four matches.

 

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Rubin Kazan 1-0 Wigan: First European defeat for Latics

Rubin Kazan secured their place in the last 32 of the Europa League with a 1-0 win over Wigan on Thursday.

Oleg Kuzmin's strike after 22 minutes settled the match in the hosts' favour as they moved five points clear at the top of Group D.

Wigan travelled to Russia having secured a 1-1 draw in the last meeting between the two sides at the DW Stadium.

The Championship club knew that they could take a big step towards qualification to the next stage with a win but their hopes were dented as they produced a disappointing performance.

Rubin were in control for the majority of the game and deserved the three points as they seek to improve on last year's showing in the competition, when they reached the quarter-finals.

Talented winger Roman Eremenko came in to the side for the home side as one of three changes made by manager Kurban Berdyev.

Meanwhile, Wigan boss Owen Coyle also opted to shuffle his pack as he made six alterations to the side that beat Huddersfield Town 2-1, Roger Espinoza making his first European appearance to form part of a five-man midfield.

The visitors' plan to stifle the Russian outfit appeared to be working in the early stages, with both sides struggling to create opportunities.

However, Coyle's men found themselves behind midway through the opening half when Kuzmin lashed home at the far post after being played through by Bibras Natcho.

Wigan finally crafted their first chance of the encounter as striker Grant Holt headed Espinoza's left-wing cross over the bar.

Rubin dominated for long periods but it took until the 63rd minute for them to carve open another genuine goalscoring opportunity, midfielder Alexander Ryazantsev shooting wide from the edge of the area.

Kuzmin headed off target from a corner as Berdyev's charges looked to press home their superiority but it was Wigan who looked the more likely to score in the closing stages.

And they should have levelled seven minutes from time when Norwegian defender Thomas Rogne headed against the bar but were left to rue what might have been.

 

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Kuban Krasnodar 1-1 Swansea City: Swans stung by injury-time equaliser

Ibrahima Balde's stoppage-time lob helped a 10-man Kuban Krasnodar to another last-gasp 1-1 Europa League draw against Swansea City.

Kuban – who rescued a point in their Group A clash in Wales in October thanks to Djibril Cisse's injury-time penalty – repeated the trick in Russia thanks to Balde's composed finish.

Swansea seemed set for victory thanks to Wilfried Bony's early strike, with Cisse missing a host of chances to level for the hosts on Thursday, while he also had an effort ruled out for offside.

Brazilian defender Xandao was sent off with 15 minutes remaining, further harming Kuban's hopes, but Balde reacted quickly to a flick from the influential Ivelin Popov in the second minute of stoppage time.

The Senegal international, who came off the bench in the 74th minute, calmly lobbed the ball over the onrushing Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm as Michael Laudrup's side were again denied in the dying stages.

The result means that Swansea are two points clear at the top of the group – Kuban are still bottom with just two points – but they could be displaced by Valencia, who visit St Gallen on Thursday.

Bony, Roland Lamah and Ben Davies headlined Swansea's seven inclusions, while Kuban also fielded a much-changed team, with Cisse one of five alterations.

Swansea went close as early as the second minute, Bony's header forcing Kuban goalkeeper Aleksandr Belenov into a smart save, while Cisse could only shoot straight at Vorm when played through by Popov at the other end.

The match's frantic start continued as Bony fired Swansea in front in the ninth minute, converting Lamah's cut-back from close range after a clever team move that also involved Alejandro Pozuelo.

Vorm was tested by both Charles Kabore and Xandao in the aftermath and the end-to-end nature of the contest did not relent as Lamah spurned a chance to give Swansea a two-goal lead, shooting wide with his left foot.

Kuban were often restricted to attempts from distance, with Roman Bugaev and Popov missing the target, while Vorm dealt with Arsen Khubulov's volley comfortably.

Dyer forced a stunning save from Belenov with a curling shot from 20 yards as the first half drew to a close, while after the resumption Cisse miskicked when presented with a great chance by Popov.

Cisse did score in the 57th minute, only to have it disallowed, and Kuban began to control the match as Popov shot at Vorm and Cisse fired wide.

They lost momentum when Xandao was sent off though, with the defender - who was initially booked for a handball inside the first 45 seconds – given his marching orders after going through the back of Swansea substitute Alvaro Vazquez.

Swansea defended well in the closing stages but there was still one last chance for the hosts, as Balde's coolness under pressure ensured that both sides finished with a point.

 

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Scolari hands Kaka World Cup lifeline

Brazil head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has revealed he plans to watch Kaka closely over the coming months with a view to including him in the squad for the World Cup.

The 31-year-old has not played for his country since a friendly with Japan in October 2012, though he admitted last week he was eager to do his utmost to force his way into contention for the 2014 finals.

Scolari, with whom Kaka won the World Cup in 2002, admits he is happy to see the former Ballon d'Or winner back playing for AC Milan following his summer switch from Real Madrid and made it clear he will keep a close eye on the attacking midfielder's form.

"I was happy with Kaka's decision to sign with the team that gave him the chance to be at his best once more," he told reporters. "I'm watching all Milan fixtures. He can certainly have a good opportunity in the future."

Kaka's Milan team-mate Robinho has been handed a place in the Brazil squad for the matches with Honduras and Chile this month, and Scolari made it clear he hopes to see the 29-year-old prove his worth ahead of the World Cup finals.

"Robinho has participated in two World Cups. His quality, technique and his joy can be useful," he added. "It was time to call him up to see if he can be important in the World Cup."

 

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Patience has paid off with Lamela, says Villas-Boas

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas paid tribute to Erik Lamela following the Argentine's match-winning display in Spurs' 2-1 win over FC Sheriff.

Lamela dazzled throughout, sweeping home the opening goal before showing a touch of class, weaving past two defenders before drawing Djibril Paye into conceding a penalty.

And Villas-Boas hailed the €30 million summer signing before shedding some light on the 21-year-old's problems settling in at Spurs.

Speaking to reporters Villas-Boas said: "We were waiting for a good performance for him and we got it today.

"We have been patient with him and he has delivered. He had no fear, took on people and created a lot. We saw some signs of what he can do for us and hopefully from now on he’ll do this for us.

"Adaptation for him has taken some time for personal reasons.

"Not speaking the language is never easy, completely opposite social life to Italy, change of city, no family here and the fact he faced tough competition with Townsend's explosion.

"All of those reasons add up and the player is on the right track."

Jermain Defoe converted the spot kick Lamela won to put Tottenham 2-0 up, also overtaking club legend Martin Chivers' European goalscoring record with his 23rd goal in continental competition.

Villas-Boas spoke highly of the striker, adding: "We were expectant and glad it happened today. We were trying to put him through on goal, Erik did well to create that chance for the penalty and he slotted it home.

"We are all particularly happy for him, it’s a great honour and will stay in time as did Martin’s [Chivers] and it will be difficult to break.

"I hope it means this club will continue to the later stages of this competition and makes it even more prestigious."

Villas-Boas also revealed that Hugo Lloris would definitely start the game against Newcastle on Sunday.

 

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Defoe 'delighted' with record-breaking goal

Jermain Defoe expressed his delight after becoming Tottenham's all-time leading goalscorer in Europe in a 2-1 win over Sheriff.

Defoe scored from the spot after 67 minutes to take his tally in European competition to 23 on Thursday as Tottenham booked their place in the last 32 of the Europa League with victory over the Moldovan side.Erik Lamela had given the hosts the lead on the hour mark before Defoe's spot-kick put Andre Villas-Boas' side in command.

Forward Ismail Isa pulled one back for Sheriff, but the plaudits belonged to Defoe, who overtook the mark set by 1972 Uefa Cup winner Martin Chivers.

"It was a frustrating night as they camped in and gave us no space in behind," Defoe told ITV."I had to stay patient and I am delighted to score the goal and take the European scoring record. What an opportunity to do it, I was confident with the penalty.

"I saw Martin Chivers at half-time, he said to me to keep going and I would get the record. He's a legend."

The 31-year-old also reserved praise for Lamela, who scored his first goal for the London club with a smart low finish."Erik Lamela was fantastic tonight," Defoe added."He is strong, good on the ball and it is difficult when you come into a club at a young age. But he made things happen for us, I'm delighted for him."

 

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Napoli clash is like a cup final - Bonucci

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has described this weekend's top-of-the-table encounter with Napoli as a "cup final" and says it is crucial his side secure maximum points.

With both the champions and Rafa Benitez's side locked on 28 points from 11 games, just three points behind leaders Roma, Sunday's meeting in Turin is already being billed as a decisive encounter in the race for the Scudetto this season.

Bonucci is under no illusions as to the importance of a win for Antonio Conte's men, and is expecting a stern challenge from the Partenopei.

"It's imperative that we win in our beautiful stadium in front of our fantastic fans," Bonucci told Juve's official website.

"I'm expecting a real cup final between us and Napoli, it will be a great game. May the best team win."

Bonucci admits the midweek draw with Real Madrid was frustrating and has urged his team-mates to show "ferocity" as they look to continue their push for trophies on all fronts in 2013-14.

"We need to go further, we have to feel stronger and be more aware of our strength," said the Italy international.

"If we address them with ferocity and conviction, I'm sure we can achieve something magical."

 

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Morata: My time will come at Real Madrid

Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata insists he is enjoying life at the club and is not disheartened at being left out of the squad for the Champions League meeting with Juventus.

The 21-year-old has made nine apperances in all competitions for Carlo Ancelotti's side so far this season, scoring one goal, and has endeared himself to many of the Santiago Bernabeu faithful during Karim Benzema's inconsistent early-season form.

Despite being overlooked for the 2-2 draw in Turin, Morata has stressed he is relishing life at the club and is confident he will quickly surpass his tally of 16 appearances in the whole of the 2012-13 season.

"I'm not disappointed at all," Morata told AS. "Last year I played 16 games and in this I've managed nine, so hopefully I'll exceed that figure.

"I think I'm young and that my time has not yet come. My goal is to keep learning, and I want to be prepared for when it does."

Morata had an impressive goalscoring record as a youngster, scoring 45 goals in 83 appearances for the Madrid Castilla side since making his debut in 2010. He was also part of the Spain Under-21 side which lifted the European Championship earlier this year.

 

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England call-up a 'dream come true' for Rodriguez

Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez has described his inclusion in Roy Hodgson's latest England squad as "a dream come true".

The 24-year-old’s only previous experience of international football was a solitary substitute appearance for the England Under-21s two years ago but he has now been drafted in to the full squad for friendlies against Chile and Germany.

Rodriguez told Southampton’s official website that he was still reeling from the news, admitting: “Words can’t describe [the feeling] – I’m obviously still shocked. It’s a bit surreal.

“It’s a dream come true, really. I couldn’t believe it when I was told, and I haven’t stopped smiling all day.

“It’s been important for me to concentrate on my football and improving as a player, and hopefully this will improve me massively.

“I’ve been focused on my club games and my performances there, so I had to keep my feet on the ground and keep working on that.

“Now I just can’t wait to get among the lads and be a part of it.”

Rodriguez is joined in the Three Lions squad by fellow Saints Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana and believes that the call-ups are a testament to the progress made by Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

“It’s unbelievable for the club,” he continued. “It just shows the direction we’re going in and the ambition and vision we’ve got.

“We have so many international players now, so it’s a really good place to be and a good thing to be part of.

“It’s always nice if you know someone there [the England squad], but Rickie has said before that the lads make you welcome there. It’s something to look forward to and I’m just excited to get started.

“The most important thing at the moment is the game on Saturday, so we’ve got to keep our heads on for that and keep concentrating – but this is a dream come true, so you obviously can’t help thinking about that.

“It’s a really good feeling, but I still feel I’ve got a lot to improve on in my game – and that’s what I want to do.

“I’ll keep my head down, work hard and I’ll keep taking on these challenges.”

 

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St Gallen 2-3 Valencia: Canales belter seals dramatic comeback

A stunning strike from Sergio Canales secured a dramatic 3-2 win for Valencia over St Gallen in Thursday's Europa League clash to move the Spanish side top of Group A.

The hosts were in front thanks to goals from Stephane Besle and Goran Karanovic, the latter's coming just 10 minutes after Philippe Montandon had been shown a straight red card for bringing down Jonas in the area, before the Brazilian then saw his penalty saved by Daniel Lopar.

However, los Che's pressure eventually told, with Pablo Piatti netting his second of the match before former Real Madrid youngster Canales rifled home an unstoppable shop inside the final five minutes to secure a vital win for Miroslav Djukic's side.

Valencia started proceedings brightly in Switzerland and were rewarded for their attacking efforts after 30 minutes. Piatti, on for the injured Federico Cartabia, tapped home a rebound after Canales' free kick had rattled the post.

St Gallen responded well, with Vicente Guaita called in to action to deny Marco Mathys, and on 37 minutes they found their equaliser as Besle bundled home at the far post following a corner.

With the game finely poised early in the second half, momentum swung in Valencia's favour as Montadon received his marching orders for felling Jonas in the area, only for the Brazilian's tame effort from the spot to be kept out by Lopar.

And just 10 minutes later, St Gallen stole an unlikely lead; Dani Parejo's poor backpass was cut out by Karanovic, and the Swiss striker buried his finish past Guiata.

Valencia piled on the pressure, with Postiga hitting the post on 70 minutes, but they found their equaliser shortly afterwards as a fine move saw the ball drop to Piatti in the area, with the striker despatching his right-foot finish with aplomb.

With the Spaniards firmly in the ascendancy, a fifth and decisive goal looked likely to come from the men in orange, and Canales duly delivered with a thunderous left-footed drive from 25 yards to snatch a victory with just four minutes remaining.
The win moves Valencia a point clear of Swansea at the top of Group A, following the Welsh side's 1-1 draw with Kuban Krasnodar, while St Gallen sit third with three points.

 

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Zanetti ready to return against Livorno

Inter captain Javier Zanetti has admitted that he hopes to make his long-awaited return to action in Saturday's Serie A clash with Livorno.

The Argentine legend has been out of action since suffering an Achilles injury in April that sparked fears that he might never play again.

However, after making the bench for last weekend's 3-0 over Udinese, the 40-year-old is now itching to make his comeback at San Siro this weekend.

"I am close to my return to the field," the versatile defender told Radio RTL. "In Udine, my team-mates gave us a wonderful victory, even if I remained on the bench.

"But I hope there will be a way for me to play some minutes on Saturday against Livorno."

Meanwhile, Zanetti admitted that he will be sorry to see Massimo Moratti step down as Inter president, as he remains eternally grateful to the oil tycoon for plucking him from obscurity at Banfield 18 years ago.

However, the former Argentina international has no doubt that the Nerazzurri will benefit from Erick Thohir's soon-to-be completed takeover.

"My relationship with Moratti goes beyond the normal ties between a president and a captain," Zanetti confessed.

"I was an unknown and he believed in me. It's something that I will never forget. Indeed, I will always thank him for that.

"He has seen some qualities in the new owners that will help grow this club, so I think it will be an even greater Inter."

 

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Szczesny targets Manchester United win for 'perfect week'

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny aims to ensure "a perfect week" for his side by beating Manchester United on Sunday.

The Poland international believes there has never been a better time for Arsene Wenger's side to visit Old Trafford, with the Premier League leaders in outstanding form.

The Gunners beat Liverpool 2-0 on Saturday before winning 1-0 at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday and Szczesny wants to cap it off by extending their advantage over David Moyes's men to 11 points.

"We are looking forward to Sunday now and we will be trying to make it a perfect week for us," the keeper told reporters.

"We have got two clean sheets and two results against quality opposition, one away from home at one of the toughest venues in Europe.

"It would be amazing to get nine points from these three games, when probably not a lot of people expected us to do.

"There is not a better time for us to go to Old Trafford. We are very confident and enjoying our football, so we are looking forward to it."

Arsenal head into Sunday's match on the back of a 15-match unbeaten streak on the road in competitive fixtures, with 14 of those ending in wins.

 

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Bale & Ramsey model new Wales kit

Star duo Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey took centre stage alongside Sam Vokes for the unveiling of Wales' new kit.

The pair's status as two of Europe's most talented young players no doubt played an important role in helping the Welsh FA to secure their most lucrative ever deal after leaving Umbro for Adidas.

Bale has struck five goals in 10 games since moving to Real Madrid as part of a world-record deal during the summer, while Ramsey has already hit double figures for Premier League leaders Arsenal this campaign.

A man for all colours | Bale in the famous white of Real Madrid

The kit, which is modelled on a "clean and classic design" and claims to be 40 per cent lighter than previous strips, will be worn by Chris Coleman's men for the first time in the friendly against Finland on November 16 in Cardiff and is available for purchase in the shops from November 14.

A statement on the FA of Wales website read: "The new kit reignites a long-standing relationship between Wales and adidas and pays homage to the iconic kits of the 1980s when Ian Rush, Mark Hughes, Dean Saunders and Neville Southall lined up in what became known as the 'Golden Generation of Welsh football'.

"Thirty years later, the Wales squad will again put on the red adidas jersey as Aaron Ramsey, Ashley Williams and Gareth Bale aim to become Wales's new golden generation through qualification for the Euro 2016 finals."

It ain't heavy | The new shirt is claimed to be the "lightest ever made"

Welsh FA spokesman Ian Davis told the Daily Mail: "We are delighted that adidas remain a key member of the Welsh football family.

"I have no doubt that deal will excite the fans and will go on to be a long and lasting success for everyone."

 

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Hodgson: Hart still England's No.1

England boss Roy Hodgson insists that Joe Hart remains his No.1 and is confident that the underperforming goalkeeper will regain his place at Manchester City.

The 26-year-old shot-stopper has found himself on the bench for his club's last two matches following high-profile errors against Chelsea, Aston Villa and Cardiff City this season, but the Three Lions boss is sure that he will bounce back to oust Costel Pantilimon.

On Thursday, Hart was named in England's squad for friendlies against Chile and Germany and Hodgson revealed that he will start one of the two matches, with Fraser Forster or John Ruddy set to be given a chance in the other friendly.

"I firmly believe Joe is such a good goalkeeper that he will get back in the Manchester City team sooner or later," the England boss told reporters.

"He will start one of the games but not both. I feel I am duty-bound to look at one of the other two goalkeepers.

"He's our No.1 goalkeeper. I would guess he is more likely to play Germany than Chile but don't wish to be held to that."

Hodgson also scotched suggestions that Celtic star Forster's chances of international action were being hindered by the former Norwich City man playing in Scotland.

"Fraser hasn't been held back by playing in the SPL," the 66-year-old remarked. "He has been held back by Joe Hart."

 

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Scolari: I'd take Totti to the World Cup

Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has admitted that he would take Francesco Totti to the World Cup if he were in charge of Italy.

The Roma legend walked away from international football after playing a key role in the Azzurri's triumph in Germany seven years ago but, in light of his spectacular form for the Giallorossi this season, there is a growing clamour for the 37-year-old to be taken to Brazil next summer.

Scolari, for his part, is in no doubt that Totti still has what it takes to star on the game's grandest stage.

"I like him a lot," the Selecao coach told the Gazzetta dello Sport. "He's playing well, he has quality and a great rapport with Roma.

"His love for this squad is incredible and we Brazilians give considerable importance to certain bonds.

"If he was Brazilian, he would have a great chance of being selected [for the World Cup], but he has the good fortune to be able to be a part of a fantastic and spectacular national team.

"Anyone who plays for Italy could also play for Brazil. I say this with certainty because [Italy's squad] is also very strong."

Scolari is also being urged to recall another ageing star, Kaka, who appears to be on the cusp of rediscovering his very best form after returning to AC Milan from Real Madrid this summer.

"I'm happy that he decided to go back," the 64-year-old trainer revealed. "He has done the right thing and I could recall him because he can return to the top."

Meanwhile, Scolari admitted that he could end up in Serie A when he parts company with Brazil in 2014, 12 years after he very nearly agreed to take charge of the Azzurri.

"Maybe one day I will coach in Italy," he mused. "Now we must play the World Cup, then in the summer my contract will finish and then we will see.

"Certainly, Italy is a draw for every coach of any nationality. Everyone would like to work there.

"In 2002, I was there to speak with the directors of the FIGC (Italian Football Federation). There was the chance to become coach of the national team, but then I went to Portugal."

 

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Tevez targets Serie A & Champions League double

Carlos Tevez is hoping to pull off a Serie A and Champions League double with Juventus this season.

The Bianconeri, who are bidding for their third successive Scudetto, are currently just three points behind Italian league leaders Napoli, while Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Real Madrid, coupled with Galatasaray's defeat in Copenhagen, has put their European destiny back in their own hands.

Juve clearly have much work to do on both fronts but Tevez is in a bullish frame of mind after a positive start to the campaign.

"The first goal this season is called the Scudetto," the 29-year-old told reporters. "We want to win it, all the more so because it would be historic: the third in a row for Juventus; a record.

"It would be a very important achievement; an honour for the history of the club.

"Then, there's the Champions League ..."

Tevez has made a flying start to his Serie A career following his summer switch from Manchester City and the well-travelled forward freely admits that he feels right at home in Turin.

"I've very happy to have moved to Juventus," he enthused. "It's a top club, like all my previous teams. Boca, Corinthians, the two Manchester sides - I don't see any differences.

"I'm happy, as Turin is a beautiful city. And the fans shower me in affection. I'm feeling good. And it's always pleasing to hear the people singing my name."

 

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Hodgson defends calling on injured Wilshere

Roy Hodgson has defended his decision to call up Jack Wilshere to the England squad for friendlies against Chile and Germany - even though the midfielder is currently injured.

The Arsenal ace has been struggling with an ankle injury that has seen him miss his club's last two matches, against Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, with Arsene Wenger hinting that he would not be available for international duty.

However, after liaising with doctors from both club and country, Hodgson is optimistic that the 21-year-old can play a part in at least one of his country's friendly fixtures.

"We're in constant discussions with Arsenal," he told reporters. "Gary Lewin and Ian Beasley are always talking to their medical staff.

"At the moment we know what the situation is with Jack and we know that he's in a period where his ankle is constantly being assessed. I've left a message with Arsene and we've spoken with Arsene via the doctors. The way I see it is we're going to monitor the situation on a daily basis.

"With any luck he'll be fit at the weekend and he'll play in the game and there'll be no further things to discuss. If that wasn't the case then I think it will be a question on a day-to-day basis."

Wilshere's ankle problem is reminiscent of the injury that saw him spend 14 months on the sidelines and miss the entire the 2011-12 season, but Hodgson insists that the two are unrelated.

"It'll be a question of discussing how much better is the ankle now because it's nothing to do, from what I understand, with his previous ankle problems," he continued. "This was a kick on the ankle which caused it to swell up and the inflammation needs to die down.

"With Jack I think it will be a question of our medical staff and Arsene and I constantly discussing it. Arsene, as far as I can make out, is not averse to him playing in at least one of the games; it's a question of whether or not it's going to be fit enough to play in one of the two games."

 

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Zubizarreta agrees new Barcelona deal

Barcelona director of football Andoni Zubizarreta has agreed a contract extension that will keep him at Camp Nou until 2016.

The former Spain international's existing deal was set to expire next summer but he has now decided to stay on for at least another two years.

"He will be signing his new contract over the next few days," read a statement on Barca's official website.

Zubizarreta is currently in his fourth season as the Catalans' director of football, during which time the team has won two Liga titles, one Champions League, one Copa del Rey and a Fifa Club World Cup.

The 52-year-old Basque spent eight years keeping goal for the Blaugrana during his illustrious playing career.

 

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Evra retains France spot despite Lizarazu outburst

Patrice Evra has, as expected, been included in the France squad for this month's World Cup play-off against Ukraine, in spite of his recent war of words with Bixente Lizarazu.

The Manchester United defender was summoned to appear before the French Football Federation (FFF) after insinuating the former Bleus star was a "parasite", after the World Cup winner spoke critically of the 32-year-old left-back.

However, the FFF ruled that Evra would face no disciplinary action over his outburst and he has therefore been named in the 24-strong panel for the two-legged tie with Ukraine.

Evra's inclusion, though, was the main talking point during Thursday's squad announcement, much to the annoyance of coach Didier Deschamps, who briefly halted the press conference after being repeatedly pressed on the issue.

Elsewhere, Rio Mavuba has returned to the France fold, while star men Franck Ribery, Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud have all been called upon.

Les Bleus travel to Ukraine for the first leg on November 15 before hosting Mykhaylo Fomenko's men in Paris four days later.